ABOUT S.I TRAVEL

This land-locked mountainous country is gaining a reputation as an ecotourist destination. Its many rivers criss-crossing the country and unspoilt national parks are ideal for activities such as trekking, kayaking and caving. The capital, Vientiane, and the other major towns have been spared major modern developments with traditional and colonial architecture still dominant.

Laos is one of the few Communist countries left in the world. Until 1988, tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but now it is perfectly feasible to travel all over the country, preferably with a recognised tour company, although plenty of backpackers do it independently. The number of tourists is expected to continue increasing over the next few years as more and more people discover the delights of this laid-back country of mountains and rivers.

For now, Laos remains relatively isolated and undeveloped. Its capital, Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded Asian hub and life throughout the country is slow paced. Most people come to Laos and make a brief tour of Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang with perhaps a brief detour to the mysterious Plain of Jars. But those who make the effort to explore further afield will be well rewarded with luscious landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses of a country hardly changed for over a century.

Things to see and do:

Boloven Plateau - Head to the Boloven Plateau in Champassak province for elephant riding and trekking. Pakse, home to many ethnic minority groups, is the region's capital and the ideal base from which to explore the plateau.

Climb Mount Phousi - Ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and the surrounding rivers and hills.

Cruise the Mekong - Meandering along the Mekong River from Pakse on a converted teak barge is an idyllic way to see the country. Spend two nights on board, visiting Wat Phu, temples and traditional villages.

Dolphin watching - Head south to the supremely laid-back Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), an archipelago on the Mekong River, to see the spectacular Khone Phapheng (the largest waterfall in South-East Asia (by volume)) and the endangered irrawaddy dolphins.

Learn to cook - If you enjoy the flavours and textures of Lao food, spend a day learning to cook traditional Lao dishes. Courses in Vientiane and Luang Prabang include a visit to the local market to purchase meat and vegetables for the dish you are to prepare.

Luang Prabang - Visit Laos' cultural and religious centre, Luang Prabang. This ancient royal city has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it boasts 33 large temple complexes and around 1,000 resident monks.

Monks - In the early morning pay a visit to the Morning Market in Vientiane where you will see lines of saffron-clad monks silently collecting alms from the local traders.

Pak Ou Caves - Do not miss the fascinating Pak Ou Caves. The two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun, are full of Buddha images that have been left there over hundreds of years by worshippers. They are easily reached by speedboat from Luang Prabang.

Plain of Jars - Marvel at the mysterious Plain of Jars, near Phonsavan. Hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to 6 tonnes, are scattered over the landscape. Legend says they were used to ferment rice wine in the sixth century to celebrate a victory in battle.

Ride an elephant - Trek through the jungle on the back of an elephant to Tad Sae waterfall near Luang Prabang.

Swimming - Swim in the lower pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, situated 30km (19 miles) from Luang Prabang, and bathe in the two hot springs some 52km (32 miles) north of Phonsavan: Bo Noi and Bo Yai.

Temple tours - Check out the old French colonial architecture and numerous Buddhist wats and stupas in Vientiane, one of Asia's most relaxed and quiet capital cities, suitably nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River.

Traditional weaving - Drop in on a traditional community in Ban Phanom, near Luang Prabang. The village is famous for its weavings and offers the opportunity to purchase bargain-priced silk and embroideries.

Trekking - Head to the hills and trek independently or as part of a locally organised tour. A number of guest houses offer hiking trips starting from Muang Xing, a small town on the river plains in the mountainous Luang Namtha province in the far northwest.

Tubing - Lazily float along the Nam Song River in a rubber tube in Vang Vieng. The scenery is stunning and enterprising locals will tow the thirsty in to riverside bars for Beer Lao. Many of the bars have zip lines and water slides.

Wat Phu - Admire the breathtaking views across the Mekong Valley from the Wat Phu temple, constructed on a mountain top near fresh spring water by the Khmer Hindus, who went on to settle their empire at its former capital - Angkor Wat (Cambodia).

Wat Xieng Thong - Be awed by Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos' most impressive temples. Decorated with coloured glass and gold, it is testament to the fact that Luang Prabang had been the royal capital until 1975. The royal palace itself contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings.

Wildlife - For a special experience stay in a tree house in Bokeo Nature Reserve, near Houayxai, and travel through the forest canopy on zip wires looking for Black Gibbons.